Review for Hairdresser Simulator

Initial release date: March 6, 2024

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Series S

Publisher: Frozen Way SA

Genres: Simulation video game, Indie game, Casual game

Developers: Frozen Way SA, Petard Games, GameFormatic S.A., ConsoleWay S.A.

Engine: Unity

Hairdresser Simulator allows you to showcase your creative side. Beauty-loving gamers will like this basic but surprisingly intriguing videogame. Furthermore, if you enjoy owning a chain of salons, you won’t want to miss out. However, flaws, poor graphics, and a repetitive gameplay loop keep this from realizing its full potential.

This simulation title was created by Console Way and published by Frozen Way. It is a single-player experience that takes place in first person. Each salon is distinctive, but the mechanics are unfortunately refined. This basic gameplay is simple to grasp, but the lack of depth results in an undesirable plateau effect. As a result, it outstays its welcome way too rapidly.

Hairdresser Simulator: All hair, no pigtails.

Simulation games and thin plotlines are all too common. I frequently complain about the lack of a tale; today is no exception. Hairdresser Simulator lacks a central storyline or antagonist. As a result, there is no empathy and no hero to look up to. However, career advancement might help fill this emptiness. Unfortunately, the developer lost an opportunity to add a layer of fun or competition. As a result, after unlocking all of the skills, I was left wanting more.

The gaming loop has a simple structure. You have nine hours to cut, style, and blow dry as many heads of hair as possible. Once you hire some employees, they will fill up the slack and the money will begin to flow in. This much-needed cash injection allows you to invest in new salons and more qualified personnel. In exchange, you improve your cash flow and décor. This easy routine repeats until you own nine salons and have 27 skilled hairdressers at your disposal. Furthermore, you’ll gain access to 11 hairdressing equipment as you strive to become the next great thing.

Simple mechanics.

11 hairdressing equipment seems like a complex situation. However, each assignment is straightforward to do, and many of the mechanics are obviously polished. Straightening hair involves a downward flick of an analog stick. Curling hair requires an upward flick with the same analogue stick. Unfortunately, combing and blow-drying hair are equally complicated. This lack of challenge, combined with the rinse-and-repeat activity, determines the flow of the game.

Things are not always simple. Cutting hair requires more skill, and I struggled with this aspect. I specialized in leaving folks with unusual bobs and perms. I’m not sure if this was the developer’s intention, but I chuckled as each customer left with an unusual, frequently asymmetrical haircut.

If you do not interact with your customers, you are improving your salon. Placing decorations and upgrading your equipment allows you some creative freedom. Furthermore, the better the gear, the more experience points you’ll receive. As a result, investing in each salon is crucial if you want to boost your personality and reputation.

The visuals for Hairdresser Simulator should have been better.

I did not expect Hairdresser Simulator to be slick or cutting-edge. However, I did not anticipate it to have such poor textures, repeated character models, and so many visual flaws. Unfortunately, the action is marred by bizarre colors, odd highlights, and a lot of blocky scenes. Fortunately, this does not detract from the hairdressing aspect. Furthermore, the terrible ending was hilarious.

The soundtrack has a hotel lobby feel to it. The cheerful but easily forgettable tracks are mindless yet appropriate. This was disappointing, but understood. What sticks out, however, are the precise sound effects. I adored the buzz of the clippers and the crunch of each tool as it passed through the hair. What wasn’t so fantastic were the obnoxious sound bits. Strangely, the majority of the characters had the same voice and stated the same thing. This was stupid since it lowered the sense of reality.

Good controls.

Brushing, curling, straightening, and cutting hair is a precise art. As a result, the controls have to be precise and straightforward to grasp. Fortunately, Hairdresser Simulator delivers with its easy interface and responsive inputs. You can also snag layers of hair and modify them individually to improve accuracy. This was excellent since it allowed you to cut and mold each cut to the customer’s preferences.

Though there are nine salons to purchase and a few unique client stories to hear, the action is repetitious. The gaming loop and mechanisms do not provide enough to boost replayability or longevity. As a result, once you’ve unlocked everything, there’s no incentive to return.

Hairdresser Simulator will excite you for a while.

If you enjoy the idea of being a hairdresser or desire a mindless experience, this is the game for you. There is some depth, but the majority of the action is straightforward and quick to complete. As such, this will not put you to the test. However, the amusing flaws and the opportunity to spoil people’s hair were too much to pass up. As such, it was restricted but enjoyable, and I recommend purchasing it here! Will you establish a hair-cutting empire? Learn the trade, upgrade your salon, and be the next great thing.

Review Overview

Gameplay: 70%

Controls: 72%

Aesthetics: 75%

Content: 65%

Accessibility: 80%

Value: 68%

Overall: 72%

DECENT

Summary: “Hairdresser Simulator” is a fun and creative experience in which players assume the role of a virtual stylist. The gameplay is easy and pleasant, but it might get tiresome after a while. The controls are very intuitive, however they can be fussy during more complicated activities. Visually, the game features a bright and colorful look that complements the enjoyable atmosphere while without pushing graphical boundaries. While there is some variation in hairstyles and client requests, the content lacks depth, limiting the game’s long-term popularity. Overall, it’s a solid choice for casual gamers or those interested in creative simulation games.